Mauritius Investment Adviser Licence: A Regulated Platform for Investment Advisory Services

For investment professionals looking to establish a regulated advisory or portfolio-management business with an international focus, Mauritius offers a sophisticated regulatory environment supported by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

The jurisdiction combines financial-services regulation, access to professional infrastructure and an internationally oriented corporate environment.

What is an Investment Adviser?

An Investment Adviser is a regulated person authorised to conduct investment advisory activities within the scope of the licence granted by the FSC.

Mauritius provides different Investment Adviser categories, including Investment Adviser (Unrestricted), Investment Adviser (Restricted) and Corporate Finance Advisory activities.

The correct licence will depend on the services to be provided and the nature of the proposed client base.

Who May Benefit?

What Does the FSC Consider?

A licence application is assessed on both the business itself and the individuals behind it.

Key areas generally include ownership and beneficial ownership, fitness and propriety of shareholders, directors and officers, qualifications and experience of key personnel, financial resources, governance arrangements, business model, target markets, compliance arrangements, AML/CFT controls, risk-management procedures, conflicts-of-interest policies, client classification and onboarding, record keeping, and ongoing reporting arrangements.

The operational infrastructure should be proportionate to the nature, scale and complexity of the proposed advisory activities.

An Attractive Tax Framework

Subject to the applicable conditions, Mauritius provides an 80% partial exemption on certain qualifying income derived by an Investment Adviser licensed by the FSC.

This can make Mauritius attractive for internationally focused investment advisory businesses, although the availability of any exemption depends on compliance with the applicable statutory and substance requirements.

AcuFin's Role

AcuFin assists clients from initial structuring through licensing and ongoing administration.

A successful financial-services structure requires more than a licence. Governance, substance, compliance and commercial operations should work together from the outset.

Disclaimer: All applications are subject to the assessment and approval of the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius.